Burmese Naga Tribe – A Creative Force

During my travels in Thailand some years’ back, I went to Chiang Mai and my eyes were drawn to some beautiful fabrics with bold yet intricate patterns originating from the Burmese Naga Tribe (of North-Western Burma). From the marvelous Naga weaving patterns that I selected, I was inspired to use this creative force and adapt them to a graphic design, later printed using silkscreen technique, as seen on some of my Daphley (vegetal leather) products.

The Burmese Naga Tribe, an ethnic group comprised of about thirty tribes, have been inhabiting for centuries in mountainous areas with very dense vegetation. The lands inaccessibility has prompted them to develop crafts similar to none.

Strong and self-sufficient they possess an innate instinct for color and design, friendly and cheerful, with splendid dances and a love for singing.

Notably famous for the magnificence of their clothes, woven and dyed exclusively by women, the Naga mountain people have a war-like appearance and carry formidable weapons. Strong and self-sufficient they possess an innate instinct for color and design, friendly and cheerful, with splendid dances and a love for singing.

These expert craftsmen possess a symphony of skills that include basketry, weaving, woodcarving, pottery, metal work, jewellery and beadwork. Bound by ritual restrictions, their production is connected to periods of a creative force. For instance, at the vital time of the first sprouting of the rice plant, some tribes shouldn’t produce metal work. Their crafts and woven produce of this creative period are often used ceremoniously, which enhances the beauty and significance.

The Burmese Naga Tribe : Bound by ritual restrictions, their production is connected to periods of a creative force.

As an artisan myself, I am always fascinated by the products and elaborate designs people can create with limited resources. How they could do it on their own, with no access to fabric suppliers and garment shops, and other inspiration other than their bespoke natural flare and natural environment. This distinctive ethnic group are living proof of the remarkable creativeness mastered as a result of their remoteness.

Burmese Naga Tribe – A Creative Force was last modified: July 26th, 2018 by Marina Vaptzarova